A Weekly Newsletter of The First United Methodist Church
Thursday, October 26
Sunday Worship
500th Anniversary of the Reformation
The order of worship, which will include special music and narration, will be based upon the Five Solas, five Latin phrases, that emerged during the Protestant Reformation summarizing the Reformers' theological convictions about the essentials of Christianity.
Scripture: Matthew 22:34-46
Message: Rev. Dr. Mark A. Fowler
Music: Chancel Choir at 9 a.m., 
Quadrilateral Quartet at 11:15 a.m.
 
Worship: 9 a.m. & 11:15 a.m., Sanctuary
Coffee Fellowship: 8:30 a.m.-11 a.m. (Fellowship Hall); 11 a.m.-Noon (Narthex)

Christian Formation Opportunities
Sunday, October 29, 10:15 a.m.

Children's Sunday School
Lower Level Classrooms
Children age 3 - Grade 5

Youth Sunday School
Lower Level Classrooms
Middle School and High School Youth

Adult Study: Protestants
Led by Rev. Dr. Mark A. Fowler
Fellowship Hall

Adult Study: Theology for the 21st Century
Sunday Adult Education Class: The Protestants
Sundays through November 12
10:15 a.m., Chapel
Led by Rev. Dr. Mark A. Fowler 

October 31 is the 500th anniversary of the advent of the Protestant Reformation. Rev. Fowler will lead a romp through a sweeping encounter with the Reformation and its impact on the life of the world. 
Message on 1 Thessalonians 1

For all that has been...Thanks! For all that shall be...Yes! The many gifts from First Church's past gives us much to build on for our future.
First Church Ministries Highlights

During worship we express our appreciation for the wide variety of critical ministries to which our friends and members give their gifts of time and energy as an offering to God. There are many ways we can give to God and serve our neighbors. Maybe you will be inspired!
Young Adults: 
New Thursday Deep Study Beginning
Thursdays, November 2 - December 7, 
7 p.m., Chapel Lounge

Explore a topic in depth while connecting with others. Our next six-week small group for young adults will study Marcus Borg's book, Jesus: The Life, Teachings, and Relevance of a Religious Revolutionary. How close is our understanding of Jesus to the person who is actually portrayed in the Gospels? What is his story in the context of the culture and time in which he lived? What implications does this have for our life? Be a part of this journey to explore these ideas together. Sign up by contacting Seth Schroerlucke or stop by the table in the Octagon Sunday morning. 
Greg Zelek Organ Recital
Tuesday, November 14, 7 p.m., Sanctuary

The Principal Organist of the Madison Symphony Orchestra and Curator of the Overture Concert Organ and Series, Greg Zelek, will present a free public organ recital at First Church. The evening's program will include works by Bach, Mendelssohn and Guilmant. A reception will follow the recital in Fellowship Hall, where you can share thoughts about the program and meet the artist. This recital is part of the 180th anniversary celebration of First Church as well as the 25th anniversary of its Austin organ.
The Christian Family:
This Could Be Fun
Sunday, November 5,
4:30-6:15 p.m., FUMC
Managing Stress, Finding Peace

Parents, take part in an interactive class led by Wellness Coach Paul Riehemann, where you will learn about tools to help navigate between values and obligations.  At the same time, children and youth will be participating in a yoga-based mindfulness activity led by Yoga for Good instructor Meg Miller. Afterward enjoy dinner together in Fellowship Hall (freewill offering).
CROP Walk 2017 Update 

Thank you to everyone who supported this year's CROP Walk to alleviate hunger in Dane County and around the world. Together we have raised  $3,028 so far. It's not late to contribute! Please make checks payable to CWS/CROP.
Announcements
Staff Announcement
From Rev. Mark Fowler: In an ongoing commitment to informing the congregation about the church staff, I have some news to share with you. As outlined by and in accordance with the Staff Parish Staff Manual, Mary Hasheider, our Director of Connecting Ministries, has requested and been granted a personal Leave of Absence. It will begin on November 1 and continue through February 4. We wish Mary well during her time away and look forward to her return.
Quarterly Giving Statements
Third Quarter Giving Statements will be mailed next week. Please contact Sarah Flanagan (608-338-1288) with any questions.  Sarah can also give you information about making a year-end donation with stock or from your IRA.
Young Adult Discussion Group: Halloween Edition
Tuesday, October 31, 4 p.m. 
Stop by Pastor Breanna's house (Contact Breanna for address) anytime after 4 p.m. to hang out and hand out candy. We may pull out the fire pit and sit in the driveway out front. Bring some candy and some snacks and drinks to share. Costumes are welcome!
Spouses Now Alone
Tuesday, October 31, Noon, Imperial Garden, Middleton
Join us for lunch and fellowship. Please email Jim Ostrander or call him at 608-338-0268 by October 30 if you plan to attend.
Prayer Shawl Ministry Team
Monday, November 6, 2 p.m., Chapel
Bring your needlework or just yourself. Patterns will be available. Members are always happy to teach simple knitting or crocheting stitches to get you started! More Info>
United Methodist Women Day of Enrichment
Saturday, November 11, 9:15 a.m., Portage UMC
This year's theme is "Enrichment: Encounters with God and Neighbor." Register by November 3.
Foot Care Clinic Volunteer Opportunity
Saturday, November 18, 8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., FUMC
Help our neighbors in a variety of capacities at this clinic hosted by First Church. Email Beth Wild or call 608-772-0350 with questions.
Call for Knitters
This year during Advent the UMW will once again be collecting new or handmade caps, gloves, mittens and scarves to give to Northcott Neighborhood House in Milwaukee, a United Methodist agency. So please dust off those knitting or crocheting patterns or look for sales in the stores of this much needed cold weather clothing. Thank you!
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Madison, WI 53703
608-256-9061